Bruce Nesmith, the senior game designer behind the original The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, has expressed awe at Bethesda and Virtuos' work on the newly released Oblivion Remastered. In a recent interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith highlighted the immense effort that went into crafting the world of Cyrodiil back in 2006, and how the remaster has exceeded his expectations by reimagining nearly every aspect of the game.
"I was expecting just a texture update," Nesmith admitted. "But what they've done is a complete overhaul. From redoing the animations and the animation system to integrating the Unreal Engine, changing the leveling system, and revamping the user interface, they've touched every part of the game."
Although Bethesda kept the remaster under wraps until its surprise launch, fans have been overwhelmingly positive about the extensive changes, which go beyond mere visual enhancements to include significant gameplay modifications. New features such as a sprint mechanic and alterations to the leveling system have led many, including Nesmith, to consider Oblivion Remastered more of a remake than a simple remaster.
"The closest that could come [to categorising it] is Oblivion 2.0," Nesmith stated. "It's a staggering amount of remastering. I'm not sure the term 'remaster' actually does it justice."
In his discussion, Nesmith also labeled the remaster as "Oblivion 2.0," reflecting the magnitude of the changes implemented.
As the community celebrates the remaster, Bethesda has shared insights into their naming decision. In a statement posted on social media, the studio clarified that they "never wanted to remake" Oblivion but aimed to modernize the beloved experience for both returning players and newcomers, warts and all.
"We know many of our longtime fans will be thrilled to revisit Oblivion and the land of Cyrodiil," the statement read. "But there are also so many who have never played it. We can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given us and our games over the years. Our hope with this remaster is that no matter who you are, when you step out of the Imperial sewer – you feel like you’re experiencing it for the first time."
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered was unexpectedly released yesterday, and is now available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can enjoy it at no additional cost. The modding community has responded enthusiastically to the surprise launch, further reinvigorating the Elder Scrolls fanbase.
For a detailed exploration of Oblivion Remastered, we offer a comprehensive guide that includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, and much more.
